Analysis: Austin, also the Ticats’ GM and director of football operations, strengthening his club this season by adding the likes of Butler, Laurent and Medlock. There’s plenty to like about a Hamilton team moving into a new stadium in 2014.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

Head coach: Scott Milanovich (third year)

Last year: 11-7, first in East Division. Lost 36-24 to Hamilton in conference final.

Analysis: Higgins becomes Montreal’s third head coach in less than a year following the fired Dan Hawkins and interim coach Jim Popp, the club’s GM. Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner, has the unenviable task of following Calvillo, who retired as pro football’s all-time passing leader. Johnson, 36, is back playing football after two-year hiatus.

Analysis: Ottawa returns to the CFL after the former Renegades ceased operations following the ’06 season. The Redblacks have a proven offensive leader in Burris but are still an expansion team and growing pains are expected.

WEST DIVISION

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

Head coach: John Hugnagel (seventh year)

Last year: 14-4, first in West Division. Lost 35-13 to Saskatchewan in conference final.

Analysis: Mitchell opens as Calgary’s starter ahead of the oft-injured Tate. The return of Lewis, coming off a broken ankle, will enhance an already potent offence led by Cornish, the CFL’s outstanding player last year. Stamps will enter season as solid Grey Cup favourites.

Analysis: It will be tough for the Riders to duplicate a magical ’13 season that was capped with a Grey Cup win at Mosaic Stadium. The defending champions still boast a solid roster but the loss of Sheets, Dressler and Butler are big.

B.C. LIONS

Head coach: Mike Benevides (third year)

Last year: 11-7, third in West Division, lost 29-25 to Saskatchewan in conference semifinal.

Analysis: With Lulay still recovering from shoulder surgery, Glenn opens as the Lions starter, making the move to acquire him from Ottawa a very smart one. Glenn was 20-8 as a starter over two steasons with Calgary, leading the Stampeders to a Grey Cup berth in ’12 and the league’s best record last year. With Grey Cup at B.C. Place, Lions will try to become fourth straight team to win title at home.

Analysis: Defensive guru Jones gets his first CFL head-coaching gig with a team that allowed the second-most points last season (28.8 per game). The onus offensively this year will be to better protect Reilly, who was second overall in passing despite Edmonton allowing 60 sacks but was also the league’s top-rushing quarterback. Improvement expected here but still much work to do.

Analysis: O’Shea’s first CFL head-coaching position is a major rebuild with a young but unproven quarterback. Bombers signed Willy as a free agent after Burris went to Ottawa. Last year, Winnipeg was last overall in scoring while allowing league-high 32.5 points per game. The loss of Canadian Henoc Muamba to the NFL is huge for a club in dire need of defensive stability although return of pass-rusher Jason Vega helps.